What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
safety
Example
The safety of our employees is our top priority. [safety: noun]
Example
Please wear your safety helmet when riding a bike. [safety: adjective]
protection
Example
The police are responsible for the protection of citizens. [protection: noun]
Example
Sunscreen provides protection against harmful UV rays. [protection: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Safety is more commonly used than protection in everyday language. Safety is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while protection is more specific and often used in technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between safety and protection?
Both safety and protection can be used in formal and informal contexts, but protection is often used in technical or specialized fields, making it more formal in those contexts.